There's a fun way to get to know Jakarta beyond its iconic buildings and shopping centers: exploring its culinary scene.

Behind the hustle and bustle of the capital city, Betawi cuisine tells stories of local traditions, community customs, and a blend of spices that create distinctive flavors.

If you're planning a culinary adventure, there are plenty of traditional Betawi foods and drinks worth trying.

The options range from hearty meals for lunch, sweet snacks, to refreshing beverages to enjoy along the way.

Recommended Betawi Dishes: Which Ones Will You Try?

Every dish has its own unique character. Here are some traditional Betawi specialties to add to your culinary bucket list when visiting Jakarta.

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1. Kerak Telor (Betawi Spiced Egg and Sticky Rice Omelet)

Kerak telor is one of the most iconic Betawi specialties. This dish is made with white glutinous rice, chicken or duck eggs, dried shrimp, and a blend of spices, all cooked in a pan over charcoal embers. A topping of toasted grated coconut adds a distinctive aroma and savory texture, making it a perfect snack while exploring Jakarta.

2. Soto Betawi (Betawi Beef Soup)

Soto Betawi is known for its rich, savory broth made with coconut milk, milk, or a combination of both, typically served with beef and sometimes offal.

The dish is usually accompanied by tomatoes, potatoes, melinjo crackers (emping), and fried shallots. Its rich blend of spices makes it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.

3. Nasi Uduk Betawi (Betawi Coconut Rice)

Rice is cooked with coconut milk, lemongrass, Indonesian bay leaves, and other spices to create fragrant and savory nasi uduk.

This dish is commonly served with fried chicken, eggs, tempeh, rice vermicelli, and sambal. You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

4. Gado-Gado Betawi (Betawi Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce)

Looking for a dish packed with vegetables? Try gado-gado Betawi, a combination of boiled vegetables, tofu, eggs, and rice cakes served with peanut sauce.

Its flavor balances savory and sweet notes, with a hint of spiciness. Crackers are often added for extra crunch and texture.

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5. Asinan Betawi (Betawi Pickled Vegetable Salad)

Unlike dishes made with coconut milk, Asinan Betawi offers a refreshing combination of vegetables such as cabbage, bean sprouts, and cucumber.

The vegetables are served with a dressing made from chilies, sugar, and vinegar, creating a distinctive balance of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors. Crackers are usually served on the side.

6. Semur Jengkol (Sweet and Savory Braised Jengkol)

Jengkol, a tropical legume known for its distinctive aroma, is slowly braised in sweet soy sauce and spices until tender and infused with flavor.

Semur jengkol has a rich, sweet, and savory taste, along with a strong aroma. If you enjoy dishes with deeply infused seasonings, this specialty is worth trying with a serving of warm steamed rice.

7. Gabus Pucung (Snakehead Fish in Black Pucung Gravy)

This traditional Betawi dish features snakehead fish cooked in a dark broth made from pucung, also known as keluak or kluwek. The blend of spices creates a distinctive savory flavor that sets it apart from other fish-based soups.

8. Roti Buaya (Crocodile-Shaped Bread)

Roti buaya is a crocodile-shaped bread traditionally associated with Betawi wedding ceremonies.

Today, it is also enjoyed as a snack or purchased as a souvenir when visiting Jakarta.

9. Bir Pletok (Traditional Betawi Spiced Drink)

Don't let the name fool you. Bir pletok is a traditional Betawi beverage that contains no alcohol. It is made with ginger, lemongrass, sappanwood, and other spices.

This aromatic drink is delicious whether served warm or chilled.

10. Es Selendang Mayang (Traditional Iced Betawi Dessert)

On a hot day, es selendang mayang is a refreshing way to quench your thirst.

This traditional drink features soft, colorful flour-based jelly served with coconut milk, sugar syrup, and ice. Its sweet and savory flavors, combined with its icy freshness, make it a delightful treat in warm weather.

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Ready to Explore Betawi Cuisine?

To make your Betawi culinary experience even more memorable, visit local food districts or the Betawi Cultural Village (Perkampungan Budaya Betawi).

Make sure you prepare an appropriate budget to keep your spending under control.

For payments, you can use cash or digital payment methods such as QRIS through myBCA. Simply open the myBCA app and scan the QRIS code at participating merchants.

If you don't have a BCA account yet, consider opening one today to enjoy convenient transactions with a BCA Debit Card.

So, are you ready to explore Betawi's traditional foods and drinks? Treat your taste buds to the rich and distinctive flavors of Jakarta's local culinary heritage!